State's Law Enforcement Council Expands; Governs Training

Gov. Steve Beshear Monday signed an executive order expanding membership of the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council to include representatives of the state’s three law enforcement training academies. The executive order adds representatives of the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Division of Police and the Louisville Metro Police Department to the council.

“This move ensures that the entities charged with developing the standards for all law enforcement and peace officers in the Commonwealth are working hand in hand with the agencies responsible for training those officers,” Beshear said in a press release from his office.

The Kentucky Law Enforcement Council governs training for all of the state’s law enforcement. The council is charged with certifying or approving law enforcement training schools, training instructors and curriculum, as well as administering the Peace Officer Professional Standards (POPS) certification process and monitoring the Kentucky Law Enforcement Foundation Program Fund.

“We are both honored and appreciative of Governor Beshear’s decision to appoint a LMPD representative to the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council,” said Robert White, chief of Louisville Metro Police. “By working together with other law enforcement officials and administrators, we can ensure that the Commonwealth of Kentucky utilizes best practices and procedures for the training and certification of peace officers.”

Ronnie Bastin, chief of the Lexington Division of Police, echoed that sentiment.

“The Lexington Division of Police is honored that Gov. Steve Beshear would choose our agency to work more closely with the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council,” Bastin said. “This is a unique opportunity to have a more active role in setting policy and upholding standards for Kentucky law enforcement agencies; that will help us all to improve the quality of service we provide.”